Hello! I had a simple question. What do you do when you want get off the water and dock your boat for a few hours. Do I need to take the sails down? What do you do?

At a bare minimum, release the downhaul, disconnect the mainsheets from the boom and slack off the jib sheets. If you can't keep it pointed into the wind or if the wind may clock around, drop the sails.

Be careful though, my prindle took a little trip of its own across the bay when I beached it and didn't pay attention.(actually ended up about 40 yards from where we took off!!!!- after that the boat was named "independence")

I would stay close to the boat if the sails are up. A fleet member barely caught my H16 when it couldn't wait for me to take off. I was 50 feet away but had turned my back and didn't notice the wind shift .
I got off lucky.
Greg
H16, H14

I usually take down the jib too

Hi,
We often leave the boat on the beach while grabbing some lunch and drinks. I think it depends on the wind as to how you leave the boat. If it's not pumping, and the boat is stable pointing up wind (say 15knots and less) its not a problem. Just make sure everything is uncleated, and the sails can flap easily. A sneaky one is the main sheets getting caught on the back corner. This way, with it pointing up wind, released down haul, it should be happy. Also, ensure it's compltely off the water. This way it shouldn't go for a solo trip
Just check on the boat in the conditions you want to leave it in. If it's rocking a lot, then rather drop the sails. Safety first. Don't want the mast to knock some poor sun bather out. Also, our club is on the beach, so the boats are only 30-40m away, which allows us to watch them. If you can't see your boat while not there, and the wind is dodgy, then rather play it safe.
But, in light days, pointed up wind, with no downhaul and the boat is stable, I wouldn't worry about dropping any of the sails.
Clint

I left my 16 on the beach at a friends house. I was sitting below on his MacGregor 26 when I looked out of the companionway watch my Hobie sailing by. I managed to jump off of the MacGregor, onto the Hobie before it went totally off on its own. They don't like to round up into the wind when its light with the rudders up. Luckily, or else it would've slammed into my friends boat.

Im sorry sogncab,
I have to comment on your avatar.. that is totally funny!! didnt mean to interupt the thread.. continue people..

catmech